The Motor Industry Staff Association (MISA) is strongly urging the government to immediately reinstate the temporary reduction in the fuel levy, as petrol prices have exceeded the 30 rand per litre threshold, warning that rising transport costs are increasing pressure on households already facing financial difficulties.
This appeal came against the backdrop of the latest fuel price increases taking effect on Wednesday, October 7th. As a result, unleaded 95 petrol reached 30.25 rand per litre in coastal areas and 29.38 rand on the coast. The price of unleaded 93 petrol available in inland regions rose to 29.88 rand.
Diesel fuel prices are also reaching record highs: 50 ppm diesel increased by 3.24 rand per litre, and 500 ppm by 2.84 rand. At wholesale level, 50 ppm diesel will cost 32.80 rand in Gauteng before retail markup.
The recent price hikes are linked to sharp increases in international oil prices, largely driven by escalating tensions in the Middle East. MISA notes that this will have a particularly severe impact on workers who are already struggling to cover basic family living expenses.
MISA's Demands for Mitigation
MISA insists on a temporary reduction of the General Fuel Levy for both petrol and diesel by at least 3 rand per litre while international oil prices remain high. Furthermore, the association calls for targeted assistance for households using kerosene lamps and an urgent discussion of the structure of levies and markups within the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC).
The association reminds that the government previously provided temporary fuel relief in April after organized trade unions secured intervention through NEDLAC. During that period, the General Fuel Levy was reduced by 3 rand per litre for petrol, and the diesel levy was set to zero. However, this relief has expired, and the current General Fuel Levy stands at 4.10 rand per litre for petrol and 3.93 rand for diesel.
Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Gweed Mantshe, had previously stated there were no immediate plans for further intervention, citing the volatility of petroleum product prices. Nevertheless, his department is reviewing the fuel pricing structure, which is due to be completed in March 2027.
Risk of Fuel Shock for Transport Costs
The latest price increase does not only affect motorists. South Africa's minivan taxi industry is already feeling pressure from higher operational costs related to fuel and other expenses. The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) reported this week that it is too early to talk about a potential fare increase, as the final decision rests with individual taxi associations following consultations with passengers.
SANTACO clarified that taxi associations have implemented only one fare increase since the start of the fuel price rise in March, while operators face increased costs for maintenance, administrative needs, and other business expenses. Previously, IOL reported that taxi passengers have already faced an increase of approximately 3–6 rand on some urban routes and 10–30 rand on some intercity trips this year.
The impact extends to the freight sector, where diesel fuel accounts for 35% to 55% of operating costs for road transport companies.
MISA emphasized that workers were already under severe financial strain before the latest fuel price hike. The association cited data from the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group, which showed that transport and electricity consumed 65.8% of the minimum wage even before accounting for food expenses. MISA stated that workers are 'crushed between fuel, electricity, and food expenses.'
The association urged the government to act before the latest fuel shock places additional strain on household budgets and transport costs. MISA also insists on providing assistance to kerosene-dependent households who were excluded from the mitigation measures introduced in April. Keyter added that 'the government has already proven that fuel relief is possible, and the conditions that justified it in April are even worse today.'
